Opening your home to a child in care is a profound and impactful journey. In New Jersey, the need for dedicated foster parents is significant.
The truth is that these children need people like you. Just ask Elizabeth Murrell, a foster parent located in Maryland:
"We have opened our hearts and our home because we believe that every child deserves a loving and nurturing environment."
New Jersey currently has approximately 3,100 children in care who are in search of nurturing and stable homes. It’s a deeply rewarding experience — but it does come with its share of financial responsibilities. This includes costs for food, clothing, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.
To support foster parents in New Jersey in meeting these needs, the state provides a monthly stipend. This financial assistance helps ensure that children in care have access to the resources they need for a healthy and enriching life.
It’s important to note that this stipend is not intended as a source of income or employment.
Instead, it is designed to offset the costs associated with caring for the child, such as ensuring that the home meets all the requirements set by the state. Prospective foster parents in New Jersey are required to have a stable income independent of this support from the state.
Before diving into the stipend, it’s important to understand how to become a foster parent in New Jersey and the requirements involved.
The Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) has created guidelines to make sure every child finds a safe and loving home. Here's what you'll need to get started:
The state of New Jersey determines the amount paid to foster parents by considering a few different factors:
In New Jersey, the financial support provided to foster parents varies based on the age of the child in care.
This system acknowledges that the needs and costs associated with raising a child can differ greatly depending on their age. Younger children might require different resources and care than older children or teenagers. The stipend is adjusted to reflect these varying needs.
Some children in care have special medical needs that demand more intensive care and resources. Foster parents in New Jersey who care for children with complex medical conditions may qualify for a higher stipend.
This additional support helps them provide the necessary care and attention to improve the quality of life for these children.
For example, therapeutic foster care, the type of care that Mentor Foster Care provides, may require additional funds to ensure a safe and stable home.
Foster parents participating in this program will receive additional financial support to help cover the costs of the specialized care required.
Stipend rates in the state of New Jersey are as follows:
New Jersey identifies different levels of care depending on the medical needs of the child. If a child has elevated needs or requires more complex care, the amount will increase.
Foster parents in New Jersey may also have access to support options beyond the monthly stipend.
For example, Medicaid offers comprehensive medical and dental coverage for children in care throughout the state. Your partnering organization can provide more detailed information about the available support.
The state of New Jersey also adds a clothing allowance to the stipend.
Organizations such as Mentor Foster Care in New Jersey offer essential items required by the state for a foster home. This includes:
Other additional support for foster families includes:
New Jersey's strong support system makes it easier for caring people like you to step forward and help. The DCPP (along with your chosen foster care agency) works hard to give both foster parents and children the tools they need to thrive together.
No matter where you are — New Jersey or elsewhere — you don’t need to navigate your foster care journey alone.
Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginner's Guide to Foster Care!
You’ll get an understanding of foster care basics, actionable tips to connect with children in care, and much more.